Use 'lower' to describe moving downwards or reducing something in level, amount, or intensity.
Mot en 30 secondes
- Move down or make something move down.
- Reduce in amount, level, or intensity.
- Used for physical and abstract concepts.
**Overview**
The word 'lower' is a versatile verb that primarily signifies a downward movement or reduction. It can be used literally, referring to physical positioning, or figuratively, to describe changes in quantity, quality, or intensity. Its common usage makes it a fundamental word in everyday English.
**Usage Patterns**
'Lower' is often used transitively, meaning it takes a direct object (e.g., 'She lowered the flag'). It can also be used intransitively, where the subject itself moves downward or is reduced (e.g., 'The temperature will lower tonight'). It frequently appears with prepositions like 'down' (lower down) or in phrasal verbs like 'lower oneself' (to behave in a way that is considered less respectable).
**Common Contexts**
You'll encounter 'lower' in various situations. Physically, it's used for objects: lowering a blind, lowering a price, lowering a voice. Figuratively, it applies to abstract concepts: lowering standards, lowering expectations, lowering one's guard. In discussions about status or rank, it can mean to demote someone. In boating, it refers to reducing sail area.
**Similar Words Comparison**
While 'lower' often implies a direct downward movement or reduction, 'decrease' focuses more on quantity or size becoming smaller. 'Reduce' is similar but can also imply bringing something under control or into a different state. 'Drop' can mean to let something fall, or a sudden decrease, while 'lower' is usually more controlled. 'Sink' implies a more gradual downward movement, often into a liquid or soft substance.
Exemples
He lowered the window to let in some fresh air.
everydayEle baixou a janela para deixar entrar ar fresco.
The government plans to lower taxes next year.
formalO governo planeja reduzir os impostos no próximo ano.
Can you lower the music volume a bit?
informalVocê pode abaixar um pouco o volume da música?
The study aimed to lower the incidence of the disease.
academicO estudo visou diminuir a incidência da doença.
Collocations courantes
Phrases Courantes
lower case
minúsculas
lower than
mais baixo que
lower back
região lombar
Souvent confondu avec
'Decrease' specifically refers to becoming or making smaller in size, amount, or degree. 'Lower' can mean this, but also specifically implies a downward movement in position.
'Reduce' is a broader term meaning to make smaller or less in amount, degree, or size, or to bring to a lower state. 'Lower' often focuses more on the direction of movement or a specific reduction in level.
Modèles grammaticaux
Notes d'usage
The verb 'lower' is commonly used in both literal and figurative senses. When referring to physical objects, it implies a controlled descent. In figurative contexts, it often means to reduce or decrease something like prices, standards, or intensity.
Erreurs courantes
Learners sometimes confuse 'lower' with 'drop'. While related, 'lower' usually implies a more deliberate and controlled action, whereas 'drop' can suggest a sudden or accidental fall. Ensure you use 'lower' when the action is intentional and controlled.
Astuce mémo
Imagine lowering a flag down a flagpole. This visual links the word 'lower' directly to the action of moving something downwards.
Origine du mot
The word 'lower' comes from the Old English 'lāwian', meaning 'to lay down' or 'to bring down'. It's related to the adjective 'low'.
Contexte culturel
In many social settings, deliberately lowering one's voice can be a sign of respect, intimacy, or a desire not to disturb others, especially in quiet environments like libraries or during solemn occasions.
Think Downward Movement
Associate 'lower' with anything going down, whether it's a physical object, a number, or a sound.
Avoid 'Lowered' for Sudden Falls
Use 'drop' or 'fall' for sudden, uncontrolled downward movements, rather than 'lower', which suggests more control.
Voice Levels Matter
In many cultures, lowering one's voice is a sign of respect or a way to avoid disturbing others.
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsYes, 'lower' can be used figuratively. For example, you can 'lower your expectations' or 'lower your voice'.
'Lower' usually implies a more controlled downward movement or reduction. 'Drop' can suggest a faster or less controlled fall, or a sudden decrease.
No, while it often refers to physical position (like lowering a flag), it's also used for abstract concepts like prices, standards, or voices.
When used with prices, 'lower' means to make them less expensive, for example, 'The store decided to lower the prices for the holiday sale.'
Teste-toi
Complete the sentence by choosing the correct form of the word 'lower'.
Please ___ your voice when you enter the library.
The imperative form requires the base verb 'lower' to instruct someone.
Choose the best word to complete the sentence.
The company decided to ___ its prices during the sale event.
'Lower' means to make prices less expensive, which fits the context of a sale.
Arrange the words to form a grammatically correct sentence.
flag / the / slowly / lowered / was
This is the standard passive voice sentence structure: Subject + auxiliary verb + past participle + adverb.
🎉 Score : /3
Summary
Use 'lower' to describe moving downwards or reducing something in level, amount, or intensity.
- Move down or make something move down.
- Reduce in amount, level, or intensity.
- Used for physical and abstract concepts.
Think Downward Movement
Associate 'lower' with anything going down, whether it's a physical object, a number, or a sound.
Avoid 'Lowered' for Sudden Falls
Use 'drop' or 'fall' for sudden, uncontrolled downward movements, rather than 'lower', which suggests more control.
Voice Levels Matter
In many cultures, lowering one's voice is a sign of respect or a way to avoid disturbing others.
Exemples
4 sur 4He lowered the window to let in some fresh air.
Ele baixou a janela para deixar entrar ar fresco.
The government plans to lower taxes next year.
O governo planeja reduzir os impostos no próximo ano.
Can you lower the music volume a bit?
Você pode abaixar um pouco o volume da música?
The study aimed to lower the incidence of the disease.
O estudo visou diminuir a incidência da doença.
